Himachal Pradesh is a beautiful hill state in northern India, nestled in the western Himalayas. The state is landlocked with the Tibetan plateau to the east, Jammu and Kashmir to the north, and the Punjab to the west. However the state stands apart from its neighbors in terms of its sheer topographic diversity and breathtaking pristine natural beauty. From vast tracts of high-altitude Trans-Himalayan desert to dense green deodar forests, from apple orchards to cultivated terraces, from snow capped high Himalayan mountain ranges to snow fed lakes and gushing rivers, Himachal has all of this and more.

Visit McLeod Ganj, residence of Dalai Lama and which is also known for its Tibetian market.

Experience the scenic and breathtaking views from Khajjiar in Dalhousie.

Day Wise Itinerary

Day 1 : ARRIVE DELHI - ON TO SHIMLA (330 KMS / APPROX. 9 HOUR DRIVE)Welcome to New Delhi, the Grand Capital of India. On arrival at Airport / Railway station in Delhi, begin your tour of 'Scenic Himachal'. Proceed on a picturesque drive to the charming hill station of Shimla, derived its name from 'Goddess Shyamla', avatar of Goddess Kali. Shimla can be visited any time during the year. Summers being warm with cool and pleasant evenings while winters bone chilling. On arrival, check-in to your hotel.The rest of the evening is at leisure.Overnight in Shimla - None (Meals on your own)

Day 2 : SHIMLA * EXCURSION TO KUFRI (20 KMS / APPROX. 1 HOUR DRIVE)Today morning, depart for a half-day excursion to Kufri, famous for its trekking and hiking trails. Adventure seekers, especially in winters, travel to Kufri to enjoy skiing and tobogganing on its snow-covered slopes. You can also visit Indira Tourist Park from where you enjoy a panoramic view of the locations around. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax or explore the local markets as you stroll on Mall Road. Enjoy a pony or a yak ride around the park on direct payment basis or enjoy a walk through the thick cedar woods to Mahasu Peak for an amazing view of the mighty Himalayas.Overnight in Shimla (B)

Day 3 : ON TO MANALI (272 KMS / APPROX. 8 HOUR DRIVE)This morning, you will proceed on a breathtaking drive to Manali, nestled on the banks of the River Beas amidst the Kullu Valley. The chunky afforests with cool gentle winds, vast expansion of meadows, small quaint settlements and lovely orchards, give a majestic look to the serene ambiance of Manali.On arrival, check-in to your hotel.The rest of the evening is at leisure.Overnight in Manali (B)

Day 4 : MANALIToday, visit the four and a half century old Hadimba Devi Temple located amidst wooden forest of Deodar and has four-tiered Pagoda shaped roof and the doorway is carved with legendary figures and symbols. Also visit the Tibetan Monastery which houses several images of Lord Buddha and Tankha paintings. The rest of the day is at leisure to stroll and shop on the mall road. Why not spend few blissful moments walking through the undulating stretches and enjoying the cool mountain breeze, shop for local handicrafts on your own or just relax at the hotel. You may also enjoy after dinner walks on the Mall Road under a starlit sky and hearing the silence of nature.Overnight in Manali (B)

Day 5 : MANALI * EXCURSION TO ROHTANG PASS / SNOW POINT (51 KMS / APPROX. 2 HOUR DRIVE)This morning, proceed on a day excursion to the Rohtang Pass. Rohtang Pass was the medieval trading route to Lahaul and Spiti. Enjoy a wide panoramic view of mountains rising far above clouds, which is a sight truly breath-taking. If roads to Rohtang Pass are closed, then visit Snow Point where ponies / horses can be hired directly. Return to the hotel in the evening.Note: Only local vehicles are allowed for Rohtang Pass / Snow point.The rest of the evening is at leisure to explore this picturesque town on your own.Overnight in Manali (B)

Day 6 : ON TO DHARAMSHALA (235 KMS / APPROX. 8 HOUR DRIVE)Today, your picturesque journey continues to Dharamshala, the principal township of Kangra district which overlooks the wide spread plains with pine and deodar forests. On arrival, check-in to your hotel.Later, visit St. John's Church and the Tibetan market. St. John's Church is popularly known as the 'Church in Wilderness' as the area is uninhabited, completely surrounded by tall Deodar trees and left in its natural condition.Overnight in Dharamshala (B)

Day 7 : ON TO DALHOUSIE (145 KMS / APPROX. 4 1/2 HOUR DRIVE)In the morning, visit McLeod Ganj - the residence of His Holiness Dalai Lama. McLeod Ganj is also known for its Tibetan market and has several handicrafts which are made by the Tibetans themselves. Later, drive to Dalhousie - a little hill station that still retains its old British charm. Its marvelous forest trails overlook vistas of wooded hills, waterfalls, spring and rivulets. On arrival, check-in to your hotel. Later in the afternoon, visit the Martyr's memorial at Panchpulla which commemorates Ajit Singh, a supporter of Subhash Chandra Bose and the Indian National Army during World War II.En route visit Satdhara, acquiring its name from the seven gorgeous springs and said to contain mica and medicinal properties which are able to alleviate several ailments.Overnight in Dalhousie (B)

Day 8 : DALHOUSIE - EXCURSION TO KHAJJIAR (23 KMS / APPROX. 1 HOUR DRIVE)Today, drive to Khajjiar (also known as Mini Swiss), a scenic spot set amidst the backdrop of dense pines, deodars and lush green meadows. Khajjiar is exquisitely nestled in the foothills of the imposing Dhauladhar ranges of the western Himalayas providing a panoramic and breathtaking view.The rest of the day is at leisure to explore this picturesque town (on your own).Overnight in Dalhousie (B)

Tour Inclusions

Accommodation in the hotels listed or similar hotels.

Transportation - Entire round trip Ex- Delhi by an air-conditioned Indigo (02 - 03 adults) or air-conditioned Innova (04 - 06 adults) or similar for all categories as per the itinerary. Vehicle is as per the itinerary and not on disposal basis. Please Note - AC will work only in the plains and will be switched-off during hill drives.

Sightseeing at Rohtangpass / Snow Point will be done by Local NAC Vehicle.

Meals: Daily buffet breakfast as per the itinerary

Travel Insurance.

All currently applicable taxes i.e. Hotel tax and Transportation tax.

Notes

Riviera Tours and Travel Terms and conditions apply.

Arrival into Delhi and departure from Pathankot / Jammu would be on your own arrangements.

Please contact our sales staff to give you best flight deals.

Do carry comfortable walking shoes.

All sightseeing is subject to weather conditions, political conditions in the destination.

All the prices are for Indian Nationals only, unless specified.

The hotel confirmed will be as per the brochure or an alternate hotel of similar category.

The package rates are not valid from 23rd December 2014 to 1st January 2015.

Travellers Riviews

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